I MOVED - Come On Over!!

Just a little update!

It has become too time-consuming to juggle two blogs at this time - so, I am concentrating on my other blog for the time being:

SHARON SHARING GOD

I would love to have you come over and visit me there!

Perhaps someday I will come back to this blog - we'll see.

But, I encourage each and every one of you to keep reading the Bible, God's Word, as it will nourish you like nothing else in life!


GOD BLESS!


"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:14-16, NLT)


"When in doubt, search God out!"

JOSHUA - God's Victory!

I've been feeling sick this past week, and am still feeling quite tired. (Not to be confused with being sick and tired!)

So, today I'm re-publishing a post from July 12, 2010.

It's all about God's victory!

He is the One who carries us when we are too weary to take another step. I know, because He is upholding me right this very minute. His victory is something we can count on, rely on, and trust in forever.

I hope you enjoy today's selection:

JOSHUA - Victory!

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" comes from the book of Joshua.

Moses, the great leader of the Israelites, handpicked Joshua to be his assistant. God later confirmed his choice when He instructed Moses to commission Joshua as his successor (Numbers 27:15-23).

Joshua was a hero. He was smart, confident, brave, and faithful to God.

Today’s verses are inspiring. They talk about courage – courage that comes from complete trust in a powerful God, a God who assures us of victory.

"'Do not be afraid of them,' the LORD said to Joshua, 'for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.'

'Don't ever be afraid or discouraged,' Joshua told his men, 'for the LORD is going to do this to all of your enemies.'

"…for the LORD…was fighting for his people."

(Joshua 10:8, 25, 42)

Who are our enemies?

Temptations, struggles, failures, suffering – so many earthly circumstances threaten to steal away our peace. They can lead us into the dark valleys of discouragement, destruction, and despair.

And there is another enemy – a very real enemy – Satan. He is described in the Bible as a "devouring lion." He is constantly on the hunt, looking for ways to ruin us – to steal away our trust in a good God. He has clever and effective weapons. He knows how to get to us at our weakest point. He delights in our vulnerability.

But, we too can claim the promise of God – "Not a SINGLE ONE OF THEM will be able to stand up to you."

The very same God who empowered Joshua, is the same God who will help us with ALL of our needs.

He ALONE gives us victory – He ALONE delivers us from our enemies.

"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." (Romans 8:37)

"If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" (Romans 8:31b)

Oh Lord, how we thank You for being our strength, our power, our courage. We could not do anything without You. Thank You for fighting our enemy, and for winning the victory we couldn't hope to win on our own. You alone, Lord - that's all we want, and all we need.


How goes your battle?!


"When in doubt, search God out!"

JUDE - Stand Firm in the Faith

I've got one brother.

I love him dearly.

We were born only three years apart, and growing up we were fast friends. I can remember all the hours we spent together – playing army or detective or shipmates. Or the times we assembled car and plane models – (man, we got loopy on that stupid old glue!) Or when we went on family adventures.

My brother was a lot of fun.

Sure, he teased me unmercifully (what are brothers for?) – but he was always someone very special to me.

Now, what if he had come to me one day and announced that he was the Son of God?

I'm thinking I would have quickly told my parents, whom I'm sure would have gotten him some immediate psychological help…

So, I wonder what it was like for Jude – one of Mary and Joseph's sons, Jesus' half-brother.

Did he think his brother was crazy?

"Who does Jesus think he is?? I mean, evidently he thinks he's the Messiah – but I've never heard of anything so preposterous! Son of God indeed! He's just a poor carpenter's son like all the rest of us. What has gotten into him? I sure hope insanity isn't hereditary."

The Bible makes it clear that Jude and the other brothers of Jesus did not follow Him during His earthly ministry. ("For even his brothers didn’t believe in him." – John 7:5) And I think that makes perfect sense. Would you believe one of your siblings if they came up with this impossible claim?

But, something happened to dramatically change that perspective.

The Resurrection.

One of the reasons that I completely believe in the resurrection of Christ, besides the fact that I completely believe the Word of God, is this transformation of His brothers. Nothing in life could have altered their view of Jesus unless it was a life-altering event.

And an empty tomb is the evidence of that life-changing miracle.

So, when Jude, now a strong believer in Jesus CHRIST (the anointed Messiah, the true Son of God), has something to say – I want to pay close attention.

The book of Jude speaks out against an outbreak of false teaching. In the beginning of the book, he explains the situation that prompted his letter – (incidentally, it's a different letter than he had planned to write). I find it interesting that Jude, who at one time most likely thought his brother was a false teacher, now finds it extremely urgent to fight against those who do not believe the Truth – the truth that God had revealed in His Son, Jesus Christ.

What does Jude tell us about false teachers?

1. They are ungodly.

2. They will worm their way into our churches.

3. They will say that God's grace allows us to live immoral lives.

4. They will claim their own authority.

5. They will defy other forms of authority.

6. They will scoff at supernatural beings.

7. They will do what their natural instincts tell them.

8. They will deceive people for money.

9. They will flatter others to get what they want.

10. They will brag loudly about themselves.

11. They will create divisions.

12. They are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck believers.

13. They are selfish, shameful people who are doomed to destruction.

14. They do not have God's Spirit in them.

WOW…

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is Jude's call to remain faithful:

"But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love." (Jude 1:20-21)

Yes, we are called to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, but we must uphold each other while we do it. We must be careful not to fall into the quicksand of compromise. We must be sure that our own footing is safe and secure.

We must remain rooted and grounded in the Lord whom we trust.

Jude knew that his brother, Jesus, was the Way, the Truth, and the Life – that's why I listen to his words of encouragement…

Remain firm in your faith.

Trust in God's promises for your future.

Don't be tempted to give in to sin.

Don't be afraid or give up in despair.

God will keep you from falling.

"All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen." (Verses 24-25)

Hey, Jude – thanks for the great word today!

How do you remain firm in your faith – and how do you fight against false teaching?

(Linked today with Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays, and Peggy at Soaking On SONday. Please feel free to hop on over to my other blog during the week - Sharon Sharing God)

"When in doubt, search God out!"

DEUTERONOMY - It's Scary Out There!

"It’s scary out there!"

Ever felt that way?

Picture yourself with Moses and the Israelites. Here they are at the edge of the Promised Land. They have been successfully and miraculously rescued from slavery in Egypt, and led through the great and terrifying wilderness. God has been with them every step of the way.

God has proven faithful.

And yet, Moses decides to send out scouts.

I don't think this was his original plan.

Moses had said, "You have now reached the hill country of the Amorites that the LORD our God is giving us. Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don't be afraid! Don't be discouraged!"

Plan A.

But the Israelites came to him and asked that scouts be sent out to explore the land –figuring "they will advise us on the best route to take…"

Plan B, maybe?

So, Moses sent out twelve scouts, one from each tribe. Upon their return, they reported that the land was a good land.

But…(why is it that there’s always a "but" when it comes to the Israelites?)

The people rebelled against the command of the LORD and refused to go in.

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" tells us what they said:

"'The LORD must hate us. That's why he brought us here from Egypt – to hand us over to the Amorites to be slaughtered. Where can we go? Our brothers have demoralized us with their report. They tell us, 'The people of the land are taller and more powerful than we are…We even saw giants there – the descendants of Anak!'" (Deuteronomy 1:27-28)

The people had concluded that the land was not worth the obstacles. They were afraid and decided not to enter.

Do you ever feel like that?

I sure do.

As I walk along my life's journey, God has proved Himself faithful, over and over. He's rescued me from the slavery to sin. He's led me through the wilderness. And yet, when He brings me to the brink of a breakthrough, a growth period, a time of testing – I balk.

He promises the Promised Land – and He promises to help me conquer it.

But…(why is it that there's always a "but" when it comes to me?)

I stop, I look around, I get scared – I only see the obstacles – I focus on the difficulty and the fear – and I do not go in.

God gives us the power to overcome our obstacles, but all too often we let difficulties control our lives. We become fearful and immobile when we focus on the negative aspects of a situation.

"It's scary out there."

Moses had quite a comeback for the Israelites. I hear him saying it to me:

"'Don't be shocked or afraid of them! The LORD your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you…you saw how the LORD your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place.'" (verses 29-31)

This is what I forget.

God has gone before me – and He will guide me every step of the way.

I am not facing anything in my life by accident. Whenever I come up against "scary new territory" – I must remember this – God has brought me to this place.

He is on my side.

I can trust His direction and His promises. I can rely on His presence and power.

Fear does not need to rob me of the victory.

I must move out in faith – courageous, overcoming faith.

And God will provide even that…

Are there any "giants of Anak" in your life?

(Linked today with Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays, and Peggy at Soaking On SONday. Please feel free to hop on over to my other blog during the week - Sharon Sharing God)

"When in doubt, search God out!"

1 THESSALONIANS - A Tribute to You

I get by with a little help from my friends.

Great lyrics – great truth.

You know, God is doing an amazing work out in Blog Land. He is using the tool of blogging to connect His Body with each other – across time, across the miles – sometimes across the ocean – all around the world.

It is a tremendous support network.

I know – because all of you have been wonderful.

Supportive, encouraging, inspiring. I don’t know what I'd do without you!

Today's "Bible Pick ‘Ems" reminded me of how grateful I am for fellow believers who stand alongside me, who fight with me, and who uphold me:

"We sent [Timothy] to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that you are destined for such trouble…That is why…I sent Timothy to find out if your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you…" (1 Thessalonians 3:2-5)

First-century Christians came face to face with persecution. Whether in the hands of zealous Jews, angry Greeks, or ruthless Roman authorities, they faced stonings, beatings, crucifixions, torture, and death.

To be a follower of Christ meant to give up everything…

The church at Thessalonica was very young – it had been established only two or three years before Paul wrote this letter to them. They were being persecuted – and Paul, like theirspiritual father in the faith, was concerned about them.

Paul was unable to return to Thessalonica. So he sent Timothy to encourage them – to exhort them to be strong in their faith.

And Timothy came home with a wonderful message:

"But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love…So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord."

(1 Thessalonians 3:6-8)

This is how I feel about all of you.

I am greatly encouraged by your love. I am emboldened by your truthful witness. I amupheld by your words and prayers.

Your strong faith strengthens mine!

And isn’t that what it’s all about?

God using each of us to help each other. The Body working together to accomplish God’s purposes.

Helping our fellow warriors to stand firm, to hold on tightly to our swords, and to fight against the tempter – boldly, firmly, and with resolute determination.

So, thank you – for all you've done to help me on my journey. For laughing with me, and crying with me – for standing alongside me through the ups and downs.

To paraphrase 1 Thessalonians 3:9 –

"How I thank God for you! Because of you I have great joy as I enter God’s presence."

(Linked today with Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays, and Peggy at Super Sunday. Also, please feel free to visit my other blog during the week, Sharon Sharing God)

"When in doubt, search God out!"

ACTS - A Faithful Witness

It was a devastating phone call.

My youngest son called one day after school.

"Mom, I just heard someone say that Cory was in a car accident…and he’s dead."

I held my phone…stunned, speechless.

"Are you sure?" I said.

"I don’t know, Mom, can you find out?"

And so, I began a series of phone calls, finally reaching a school counselor who was a friend. And yes…

…it was true.

Numb, I got in my car to go pick up my son. I wasn’t sure how to break the news to him. Cory had been a close friend of my son’s since 3rd grade. He was a bright, shining light. The sort of person who made EVERYONE feel like they were his best friend. He was smart, and funny, and a delight.

As I approached the intersection that led into my son’s high school, there was Cory’s truck, upside down, crushed…still sitting where it had come to rest after flipping over three times. And there was his gray sweatshirt, just a few feet from a shattered driver’s side window.

I picked up my son, who was more silent and unapproachable than I had ever seen him before.

He looked at the scene of the accident as we drove past – he looked away.

When we got home, calls started coming in, and we were informed that there was going to be a gathering that evening at a local church – just for people to come together.

Of course, we decided to go…

I remember showing up, a bit shell-shocked – as we wandered around the room. Dazed by our joint sorrow, everyone mostly just hugged and cried – there weren’t really any words to say.

I remember finally seeing Cory’s father across the room – my son’s teacher in 5th grade.

And he was smiling…

He was talking to people, hugging them, offering them comfort through his own tears – asking others if they were OK.

He assured person after person that everything was going to be all right – Cory was with the Lord.

I remember speaking to him, though I can’t remember what we said – I just remember him telling my son how much Cory loved him, and what a good friend he had been. I remember him saying, "You’ll see him again…"

It was quite a testimony.

A few days later, there was a candlelight service at the high school. A couple of days later, a funeral.

Over 1,000 people attended the funeral. The HUGE church sanctuary was filled to overflowing. We watched slides of Cory, heard person after person speak about him, signed his surfboard, cried and laughed…

But, the most important thing of all? The Word of the Lord went out that day, and hundreds heard Cory and his family’s testimony.

Today’s "Bible Pick ‘Ems" reminded me of this time in our life.

"So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening." (Acts 16:24-25)

On a terrible and sudden, ordinary day, Cory’s family was slapped into the "inner dungeon" of their lives. They found themselves in the darkest night of their souls. They were literally imprisoned by the worst this life has to offer – death. Overwhelmed by grief, crippled by sadness – yes, they were.

But, like Paul and Silas, they chose to pray and sing to God – they looked to the only Hope they could cling to. They offered honor to a God that they knew loved Cory – a God whom they believed was GOOD.

They did not allow the "stocks" of grief and bitterness to overcome them. Their spirits rose above their imprisonment –

And all the while, people were watching them, and listening…

You never know who’s looking at you – especially when you find yourself walking through the "valley of the shadow of death." It is often at your darkest hour, at your weakest moment – at the absolute lowest time of discouragement – that is when people are paying the most attention to you.

Wondering how you’ll react…what you’ll say…what you’ll do.

Will you be praying and singing like Paul and Silas? Like Cory’s family?

No matter what the circumstances, we should praise God. Others may come to Christ because of our example. The Bible tells us that the jailer and his family were all brought to the Lord because of the witness of Paul and Silas.

I can only imagine the hearts that were reached through the faithful witness of a grieving family – who chose to sing through tragedy…

…and love a God whom they KNEW loved them.

(I am linked up today with Spiritual Sundays, hosted by Charlotte and Ginger!)

"When in doubt, search God out"

AMOS - Shaken, But Not Stirred

“Will you pray for me?” my friend asked me the other day.

Fearing something terrible, I answered, “Of course I will, what’s wrong?”

She went on to explain. There wasn’t any earth-shattering horror in her life. No deadly disease, no financial mishap, no terrible loss. There wasn’t any BIG thing in her life. It was just…well, her life.

She went on to explain how unsettled she was feeling, how unsteady and unsure. How previous goals seemed unclear, and earlier dreams felt unmet. How a straight and narrow path now felt crooked and directionless. How the clarity of purpose she had as a younger person, now felt blurry and indistinct. How she just didn’t know what she was feeling, what she was supposed to be doing, where she should be headed – how she felt unnerved, unsure, uncertain...

“Oh,” I said. “You mean you’re feeling life queasy.”

“What?” she replied. “Life queasy?”

“You know, that feeling you get on a boat out at sea. The pitching and rolling just has you off-kilter. A little uneasy and uncomfortable. You can’t quite get your bearings. Except you feel this way about your life. Life queasy.”

She smiled. “Yeah, that’s exactly it.”

Do you ever feel this way?

Like a towel in a washing machine? All mixed up and disoriented?

It’s not a great feeling for anyone to feel, but especially for a Christian, I think. After all, we know the God of Wisdom and Purpose. We should have clear direction in our lives, we say to ourselves. We should have peace.

But we don’t – we feel distressed. We feel…shaken.

Today’s “Bible Pick ‘Ems” comes from the book of Amos, a prophet who knew a thing or two about being shaken up!

Surely Amos was a faithful man, a person whose life was devoted to God. But he was a simple shepherd and fig grower. He wasn’t the son of a prophet – not the son of a priest.

However, God had a purpose for Amos – a purpose that probably made him feel life queasy.

God took Amos from his homeland in the southern kingdom of Judah, and sent him to denounce the social and religious corruption of the northern kingdom of Israel. Amos obeyed God.

And though his message brought pronouncements of God’s judgment on Israel, it also brought the promise of restoration. Today’s verses bring a word of tremendous reassurance:

“For I will give the command and will shake Israel along with the other nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, yet not one true kernel will be lost.” (Amos 9:9)

Though these words were directed toward the nation of Israel, I think we can apply them to our lives. Sometimes God needs to do some shaking up. Sometimes He needs to “unsettle” us.

But always remember – God wants to redeem, not punish. He wants to purify, not destroy.

He wants to make us holy.

So God will always care more about our character than our comfort.

What can we hold on to when we’re being shaken?

The promise: The faithful will not be forgotten. True believers will not be lost.

God shakes those He loves.

“You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver.” (Psalm 66:10)

“I will bring [them] through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold.” (Zechariah 13:9)

“When in doubt, search God out!”

JOHN - Do You Believe...Really?

When I was a teenager, and into my 20’s, there was a spiritual re-awakening called the “Jesus Movement.”

It was a movement toward Christianity that began in the United States in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. (Yes, I know – I’m dating myself here…)

It began as an outgrowth of the hippie counterculture that was so popular at that time. Staunch, strict, staid Protestantism was invaded by those who adopted a looser, more inclusive Christianity. Members of the movement were called “Jesus people” or “Jesus freaks.”

“Jesus freak” was a derogatory term, used to dismiss these people in a negative way. It was often said in a sneering manner – “Oh…you’re a JESUS FREAK.”

The movement focused on universal love and pacifism. You know, the whole “peace, love, and Jesus” kind of mentality. “Jesus freaks” relished and focused on the radical nature of Jesus’ message. They often carried and distributed copies of the “Good News for Modern Man,” a 1966 translation of the Bible that only included the New Testament in its first editions. This translation brought the Word of God to a younger generation, speaking in their language – it was a new departure from the traditional, more formal King James Version.

Now, let me clarify. I’m not condemning this movement. Some aspects of the Jesus movement were based on good values. Many people were reached and converted to a genuine saving faith in Jesus Christ. However, for some, it was nothing more than the “thing to do” – and their “faith” fell by the wayside.

I was reminded of the “Jesus Movement” when I read today’s “Bible Pick ‘Ems” from John 2:23-25:

“Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.”

Does this sound harsh on Jesus’ part?

Why would He mistrust people who were putting their faith in Him?

The Amplified Bible adds a shade of meaning that I think clarifies things.

“…many believed in His name [identified themselves with His party]…”

It was this new “movement” that they were putting their belief in – not in Jesus’ “message" - not in Jesus HIMSELF.

At one point in time, my church’s high school group was overflowing with people. The most popular kids in town were there, the nerds were there...

(FYI – I was in the nerd crowd…) – everyone was there. It was the cool, socially correct thing to do.

Were there some genuine conversions? Absolutely.

Just as many of the people who followed Jesus genuinely believed in Him. But some had a superficial faith. They were there because it was the “thing to do.”

And Jesus knew, because He was discerning.

He knows the human heart.

Some of the same people proclaiming their belief in Him at this time would later yell, “Crucify Him!”

It’s easy to “believe” when it’s exciting and everyone else believes the same way. I think that’s exactly what happened with the “Jesus Movement.” It was a bandwagon that many jumped on. But when the ride got a little bumpy – when faith required right living, when faith required unpopular decisions, when faith required persecution and suffering – WHOA! Stop the bus – I’m getting off!

Jesus knew.

I wonder if He reflected on this passage – Jeremiah 17:9-10

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives.”

Or maybe this one – 1 Samuel 16:7

“The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

I will not set myself up as the judge of another person’s heart. I will not presume to know the state or validity of their faith. NO WAY! I’m too busy attending to my own heart, my own faith journey. And even then, I’m not always to be trusted with self-judgment! I’m with Paul on this:

“It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.” (1 Corinthians 4:3)

But the question I leave you with is this.

Is your faith for real?

Will you keep your faith firm even when it ISN’T popular to follow Jesus?

Oh Lord, thank you for the assurance of salvation. Thank you for the gift of faith. Keep me from judging others. Keep me from judging myself – do not let me be deceived. Give me a right spirit, Lord. A spirit of truth and discernment. Let me seek You wholeheartedly and honestly. You alone know my heart. Convict me where I need correction. Convince me where I need assurance. Give me the desire and the power to follow You – with all of my heart, my soul, my strength, and my mind.

Yeah…I guess I am a “Jesus freak!”

“When in doubt, search God out!”

1 TIMOTHY - Clear Conscience

I remember summers when I was growing up –

Swimming, bodysurfing, reading, playing the radio, and…

…getting a tan!

Yup, not “politically correct” to say that, in these days of SPF 50 and skin cancer scares.

But, it’s true – I was a real “sun worshiper!”

That first day in the sun usually meant a sunburn – ouch! Bring out the Noxema cream or SeaBreeze – the only two things that seemed to take out the sting!

Did that keep me from going out in the sun the next day? NOPE!

And before I knew it, that sunburn didn’t hurt so much. As my skin got tougher, it didn’t notice the effects of the sun. I could sit in the sun for longer and longer periods of time – without the burn. I got USED to it.

Unfortunately, it can be the same way with our conscience.

Today’s “Bible Pick ‘Ems” speaks to this:

“Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.” (1 Timothy 1:19)

I’ve learned this lesson the hard way a few times in my life, I’m sorry to say.

At first, doing something wrong really makes you feel bad. Guilt tears at your heart, and you feel remorse. Like that first day of sunburn. It hurts…

But, if you choose to IGNORE that feeling, (if you go out in the sun again, so to speak) – your conscience begins to harden. Just a little bit. And before you know it, your conscience doesn’t feel the sting of your sin as much. Then it doesn’t feel it at all.

Each time we deliberately ignore our conscience, we are hardening our hearts. Over time, we will lose our capacity to tell right from wrong. We will choose to do the sinful thing intentionally, and we will not feel bad…

But Paul reminds us of a terrible truth – if we do this, we will shipwreck our faith.

Paul knew something about shipwrecks. He experienced them more than once.

When I think of shipwrecks, I think of the Titanic. A huge, beautiful, unsinkable ship. And yet, a glancing blow off an iceberg sank it. Something that seemed small and inconsequential, started an inevitable chain of events that led to disaster.

There are no such things as “small” sins. The “little ones” are the dangerous ones. I am reminded of this phrase from Scripture – “the little foxes that ruin the vineyards.” We must be on guard – we must CLING to our faith like a life preserver – because IT IS a life preserver, in every sense of the word.

How can you keep your conscience clear?

Treasure your faith in Christ more than anything else. Do what is right.

As you walk with God, He will speak to you through your conscience. He will give you His wisdom – He will show you what is right and wrong.

Act on those inner tugs…

Stay out of the "sun" – and remain in the SON!!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

ISAIAH - Be Alert!

Gloom and doom…

Sometimes the books of prophecy in the Old Testament can be difficult reading. It feels like they contain an endless litany of unheeded warnings, followed by devastating judgments.

And yet, there is always an unmistakable undercurrent of forgiveness, comfort, and hope.

God’s message is clear: There are consequences for rebelling against Me. Please don’t do it. But if you return to Me, I will forgive you and restore you.

Today’s “Bible Pick ‘Ems” comes from the book of Isaiah.

I’d like to start with a little background information on the book of Isaiah.

Prophets stood with the priests as God’s special representatives. The prophet’s role was to speak for God, confronting the people with His commands and promises – pointing out their rebellion. Needless to say, true prophets were not very popular!!

But they continued to faithfully proclaim the truth.

The book of Isaiah is the first of the writings of the prophets in the Bible – and Isaiah is generally considered to be the greatest prophet. His purpose was to call the nation of Judah back to God. But his prophecies also tell of God’s salvation through His coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Our “pick ‘em” verses are found in Isaiah 21:5-7, 11-12:

“But quick! Grab your shields and prepare for battle. You are being attacked! Meanwhile, the Lord said to me, ‘Put a watchman on the city wall. Let him shout out what he sees…Let the watchman be fully alert.’

Someone…keeps calling to me, ‘Watchman, how much longer until morning? When will the night be over?’ The watchman replies, ‘Morning is coming…’”

These verses can be applied directly to the very real threat of Judah’s enemies during Isaiah’s lifetime. God was warning the people to return to Him, to remain alert and on guard, to prepare for battle. But, sadly, His warnings went unheeded.

But, these verses also apply to us today.

How so?

We also have enemies outside our “city walls.” They are ready to “attack” and we must “prepare for battle.” We are called to be “fully alert.”

We, too, must be watchmen…

Because we have a blessed “MORNING” that is coming!

Our glorious Savior is going to return!

“So you, too must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming…You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (Matthew 24:42-44)

“You must be ready all the time…” (Luke 12:40)

“For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly; like a thief in the night…So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and clearheaded.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 6)

Not all people will join us in our watch.

We will hear people saying, “How much longer until morning?”

Some may say it with longing, others will mock.

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last day scoffers will come…They will say, ‘What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again?’”

(2 Peter 3:3, 4)

Do not listen.

God is calling us to be watchmen.

To grab our shields and prepare for battle.

To shout the truth.

To be fully alert.

And most of all, to keep looking to the horizon, and believing with all our hearts -

“MORNING IS COMING…”

“When in doubt, search God out!”

JOHN - Light of the World!

Have any of you ever been afraid of the dark?

When I was a little girl, I was terrified of the dark.

I was sure that there was someone, or worse yet, something under my bed. I remember jumping into bed, launching myself from about two feet out, just so whatever was under there couldn't grab my legs!!

In thinking about darkness, I started wondering WHY it's so scary to so many people...

I think a lot of people have overactive imaginations (that would be me!) Our minds get filled up with stories and images, and we convince ourselves that we see and hear and fear "things that go bump in the night."

But I also think there's something inside us that has an innate fear of the dark...

I think there's a spiritual fear, something that we feel in our souls.

Darkness somehow represents everything that is not of God. And Satan, our enemy, the great accuser, is prince of the "kingdom of darkness." However, all hope is NOT LOST!!

The cross of Jesus, His crucifixion and His resurrection, were His way of saying a resounding "NO!" to the darkness.

He is the source of light!

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" comes from the book of John:

"[Jesus] said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.' " (John 8:12)

Jesus is the source of light.

And if you believe in Jesus - that He died on the cross for your sins - and if you confess your sins, and ask Him to come into your heart as Lord of your life...then you no longer have to be afraid of this other darkness - the spiritual darkness of the soul.

You have been set free!

And as a child of God, you never need to fear darkness again, even the darkness of death, for there will be NO ETERNAL DARKNESS for the believer!!

PRAISE GOD! We will live in His light FOREVER!

Check out these wonderful passages - all about light:

• Genesis 1:3-4
• Psalm 18:28
• Psalm 27:12
• Psalm 119:105
• John 1:4-5
• John 12:46
• 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
• 1 Thessalonians 5:5
• Ephesians 5:8-9
• 1 Peter 2:9
• 1 John 1:5, 7

BLESSED SUNDAY!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

LAMENTATIONS - Woe is Me!

Times are tough, aren’t they? It doesn’t seem like you can count on anything anymore. The earth is quaking and shaking, the environment is being poisoned, the economy is falling apart, and governments can’t be trusted. It’s a time of great upheaval.

Our world is filled with poverty, injustice, rebellion, and uncertainty.

Where can we turn for help – where can we turn for hope?

Today’s “Bible Pick ‘Ems” comes from the book of Lamentations. The prophet Jeremiah wrote this book, during a time of great sadness for the nation of Judah. The Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem, and her people had been killed, tortured, or taken captive.

But Jeremiah affirmed that there was hope in the midst of affliction.

He knew that God would bring future restoration and blessing. He banked on God’s faithfulness, always trusting in the unshakeable promises of a loving and merciful Lord.

“Peace has been stripped away…Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost. The thought of my suffering…is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. YET I STILL DARE TO HOPE when I remember this:

THE FAITHFUL LOVE OF THE LORD NEVER ENDS!

His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’
…I called on your name, LORD, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried…Yes, you came when I called; you told me, ‘DO NOT FEAR.’”
(Lamentations 3:17-24, 56-57)

What causes your tears?

God knows about them – every single one.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8)

Rest assured, God is there – in every moment, every day. He will never fail you; He will never forsake you. His plan and purpose for your life is being worked out, even in times of suffering and hardship.

Yes, my dear friends, we have a bright hope for tomorrow!

"When in doubt, search God out!"